INTO THE STORM is the first book in the "Destoryermen" Trilogy by Taylor Anderson. It follows the events that occur at the start of World War 2 in the Pacific on a US Naval destroyer, the USS Walker. It's the opening days of the war and things are not going well for the Allies in the Pacific. The Japanese have decimated the Allied Fleet some of the most outdated ships in the Navy are being pressed into hard service. The USS Walker is among the survivors, but her luck seems to be running out.

During a battle off the coast of Borneo, the Walker takes cover in a rain squall. While in the squall something happens that defies understanding, it seems that the Walker and her sister ship the Mahan have been transported to somewhere else. What becomes clear is that the trip they've just taken hasn't carried them through time or space, but instead to an alternate version of Earth where humans never evolved to become the dominate species on the planet. As they gather their wits they make contact with the two races that have achieved intelligent command of the seas. It's then that they realize that they've left one world at war for another.

The characters that make up the crews of the Mahan and the Walker are right out of the war movies of the 50's. The story, pacing and characters all have that "black and white" feel of the old cinema experience. There's the strong, silent captain, the power hungry hot-shot, the curmudgeony comic relief and of course the beautiful nurse with the heart of gold. This is Run Silent, Run Deep, The Caine Mutiny and Enemy Below crossed with Jurassic Park. It's a story worthy of the Outer Limits series -- dusted off and nicely updated. If you were a fan of the Turtledove World War series, you should enjoy this as well. The accuracy of the WWII technology with the fanciful, "what if" approach makes for an entertaining story.

Book Summary

Pressed into service when World War II breaks out in the Pacific, USS Walker--a Great War-vintage "four-stacker" destroyer--finds itself in full retreat from pursuit by Japanes battleships. Its captain, Lieutenant Commander Matthew Patrick Reddy, knows that he and his crew are in dire straits. In desperation, he heads Walker into a squall, hoping it will give them cover, but emerges somewhere else...

Familiar landmarks appear, but the water teems with vicious, monstrous fish. And there appear to be dinosaurs grazing on the plains of Bali. Gradually Matt and his crew must accept the fact that they are in an alternate world--and they are not alone. Humans have not evolved, but two other species have. And they are at war.

Walker, with its steam power and weaponry, could by its very existence alter the balance of power. And for Matt and his crew, who have the means to turn a primitive war into a genocidal Armageddon, one thing becomes clear. They must decide whose side they're on. Because whatever side they choose will be the winner...